The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended the Immigration and Foreign ers Rules, 2025, requiring foreign nationals intending to stay in India beyond 180 days to complete registra tion formalities before the expiry of the six-month period. The amendment, noti fied through a Gazette no tification issued on June 1, tightens an earlier pro vision that allowed reg istration within 14 days after crossing the 180-day threshold. Under the revised rules, foreigners entering India on visas valid for 180 days or less who plan to remain in the country beyond that period must register with the concerned Foreign ers Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreign ers Registration Office (FRO) before completing 180 days from their date of arrival. The amendment effec tively shifts the compli ance requirement forward, obliging long-stay visi tors to complete regis tration formalities before reaching the six-month mark. Reports on the revised rules indicate that the require ment will also apply to foreigners holding visas that stip ulate each stay in India shall not exceed 180 days, even if the visa itself remains valid for a longer duration.
The changes are likely to be closely watched in Goa, which attracts a substantial number of long-stay foreign visitors every year, particularly from the United Kingdom and other European countries. Apart from seasonal tour ists who spend several months in the State, Goa is also home to a sizeable community of overseas Goans holding foreign passports, foreign spouses of Goans, retirees and repeat visitors who divide their time between Goa and their countries of residence. While the amendment does not specifically target tour ists, the revised timeline means foreigners intending to remain in India beyond 180 days will need to complete registration procedures earlier than before. Tourism stakeholders, immigration consultants and long-term vis itors are expected to assess the practical implications of the change, particularly for those who routinely plan ex tended stays in the country. The amendment forms part of the implementation of the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, framed un der the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
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The revised rules also introduce changes relating to chil dren whose parents seek to retain their Indian citizenship status under the Citizenship Act, 1955. In certain specified cases, registration requirements will not apply. However, authorities must be informed if such a child subsequently acquires foreign citizenship while residing in India. Additionally, the amended rules provide for an online appeal mechanism, allowing persons aggrieved by immi gration-related orders to file appeals before the Commis sioner of the Bureau of Immigration within the prescribed time period.
